The workshop brought together 12 PhD candidates from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, as well as 6 M.A. students in Cultural Sustainability from the University of Maiduguri, all part of the DAAD-funded SDG Graduate School, for an engaging ten-day program. The primary focus was on exchanging ideas, showcasing and evaluating the scholarship holder’s research projects, and exploring the topic of Research Data Management. Furthermore, participants enhanced their knowledge and skills in creative methodology and writing practices.

The first week was launched by several sessions to reconnect and update each other, featuring a guest lecture on sustainability discourse by Prof. Blaise Gundu Gbaden from the Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria, and a seminar on Research Data Collection and Analysis by Cecilia Durojaye-Prüfer from the Institute for Cultural Policy at the University of Hildesheim, Germany.

During an excursion to Ladi Kwali village led by Ike Nwachuku, the participants had the opportunity to gain knowledge on traditional and modern pottery as well as to engage in a pottery workshop themselves. Over the weekend, participants of the workshop got to enjoy the natural and serene environment of the Almat Farms, which was used for hiking, swimming, as well as to connect with each other in a more informal setting.

After an enriching weekend, the second workshop week set off with a two-day writing boot camp facilitated by the SDG coordinators and staff members.

On Wednesday of the second workshop week, Dr. Adiwu Talatu Onkala (University of Maiduguri) and Jehoshaphat Philip Sarbah (University of Cape Coast) carried on the first week’s input on Research Data Analysis with helpful advice concerning Data Management. The workshop was concluded by a festive last day for which the group followed Mr. Olukayode Felix’s invitation to the Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Arts and Culture, where the workshop participants had the opportunity to connect with the practitioners of the Center over music and dance performances, a Tie-Dye workshop as well as a tour through the Center’s museum and art gallery.

On the final day, a lively farewell dinner rounded off a very successful 15th SDG Graduate School Workshop. Once again, the atmosphere at the dinner was a joyful and content one, nevertheless contemplating with melancholy the close goodbye. On behalf of all the participants and coordinators, we wish to thank our colleagues at the University of Maiduguri dearly for their warm welcome and thoughtful planning.